I load the same bullet and same powder and it works great. I have even switched calibers on one press and the dies didn't need adjusting. Its a super simple system. It works so well I now have several so I can press both 9mm and 45acp without changing a thing other than my seating position.
Yes, if you are mechanically inclined- and can visualize linked simple and complex engineering processes, than you may be able to use better tech- faster.
I will note, however- that in your setup you have overlooked one of the strongest benefits to handloading : customization. In reference to the OP's concerns, it also does not address cost.
150-200 rounds per week does not justify the expense of a progressive.
It really doesn't justify the expense of a turret.
That, combined with the knowledge of safe and sound practices of cartridgeworking that are lost in utilizing a single-stage press and all that entails in the learning process , discourages me from recommending starting school with a "whiz-bang 3000".
I setup my dies once, yes once.
By settting and forgetting your dies once ( as you attest ) you have settled for a set of load data likely obtained from a manual, without experimentation of any sort, that luckily is functional in your weapons.
With that in mind, you ARE essentially producing factory ammo- albeit with a substantial up-front cost investment, that reduces your per round cost over time.
As I frequently state, everyone loads for different reasons- if you are happy, I'm not going to stand in your way or bemoan your choice of equipment.
When the time comes however ( if it does ) that you wish to improve functionality or performance of the ammunition you produce ( especially if you ever enter the arena of rifle ) in the varied types of weapons you may possess - the knowledge and effects of proper and improper brass preparation, powder weight and charge type assignment, bullet seating techniques and depth variation...and the effects all of these things in combination produce, will be dramatically harder to learn and duplicate using a progressive method without any other knowledge to fall back on than setting a process once from a recipe in a book.
Some guys could load for 10 years and never figure out a progressive, but hell, some guys can screw up boiling water!
True. However, "burning water" does not blow up in your face. Either on your bench, or in a prized firearm.
There are a number of threads lately here and elsewhere concerning those that choose to use from the outset equipment they are ill-equipped in the "knoweldge and applied knowledge" department to utilize... Sometimes resulting in catastrophe and disaster, sometimes (luckily) resulting in only momentary fright and lost equipment.
SIG BILL : as a reloader, you must realize that reloading in and of itself is not unsafe, it is however extremely unforgiving of negligence or error. Knowledge truly is power in loading...anything you do not or cannot understand...please seek us out. We will do everything in our power to assist you.
SIG BILL : Even utilizing a basic setup in the $200 range, buying components 100 or 200 or so at a time, you can save 50% off the cost of "shelf" semi-premium ammo. Beating the price of 9mm bulk is difficult, unless you purchase components in significant quantity. Improving the functionality and accuracy of the loads however, is very easy once you learn the method.
Whatever method you choose, reloading is a very worthwhile and useful skill. The rewards monetarily ( even if debated strongly here
) and the sense of accomplishment that come with firing your own rounds- however you arrive at them- will last a lifetime.
